On SNAP Benefits? Beware These Scams That Could Drain Your Account

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If you’re a SNAP participant, you need to protect your benefits from criminals. Read on for common scams you should be aware of and learn how to stay safe. 

With the cost of living rising throughout the country, some Americans have difficulty affording food. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps many U.S. households put food on the table — especially now when grocery prices are higher than in years past.

Unfortunately, there are scammers out there looking to steal benefits from others. If you’re a SNAP recipient, you should stay current on known scams so you don’t fall victim to theft. We’ve outlined a few known scams below so you can take extra precautions to protect your benefits.

Text message scams

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), there have been some complaints of scammers looking to steal benefits by text message. Scammers send texts alerting recipients that their SNAP EBT cards have been locked. The scammer will then ask the recipient to provide benefits information such as their card number and PIN, which puts their account at risk for fraud.

It’s never a good idea to reply to a text message or call a number provided by text message that relates to your SNAP benefits or your SNAP EBT card. If you receive such communication, it’s in your best interest to contact your local SNAP office directly so you can verify whether the message is legitimate and avoid a potential scam.

EBT card skimming scams

Criminals are also stealing SNAP benefits through card skimming techniques. They do this by attaching a device to a retailer’s card-swiping machine, which copies the EBT card information. Unfortunately, this type of scam can happen when you least expect it. Thieves also do this to steal debit card and credit card information, so be aware of this scam no matter how you pay.

The USDA suggests that SNAP participants review their accounts regularly to ensure no unauthorized charges have been made. Additionally, examine the card machine to see if anything looks suspicious before swiping your EBT card in the checkout line. If it does, avoid using that machine. If you’ve fallen victim to card skimming, contact your local SNAP office immediately.

Website scams

There are also scammers looking to steal your SNAP benefits online. When visiting a website that mentions SNAP benefits, be cautious. Some scammers set up websites to collect personal information, including SNAP benefits information. If a website looks questionable or you’re unsure if it’s an official website, contact your local SNAP office first.

Tips to keep your SNAP benefits safe

Sadly, scammers are getting more creative and looking for new ways to trick everyday consumers. You have to be extra careful if you want to avoid fraud in your daily life. Below are a few tips that may help you avoid having your SNAP benefits stolen by thieves:

Choose a unique PIN. When choosing your SNAP EBT card PIN, make sure it’s not easy to guess. Choosing a unique PIN will make you less susceptible to theft.Never share your PIN with others. Similarly to your debit card PIN, your SNAP EBT card PIN should be kept secret. When using your card, cover the keypad so no onlookers see what you’re typing in.Check card readers before using them. Before you swipe your SNAP EBT card, check the card reader to see if anything looks tampered with or otherwise seems suspicious.Review your account. It’s a wise idea to review important accounts often. This includes personal finance accounts, like your bank accounts and credit cards. You should also regularly check your SNAP EBT account so you can spot suspicious activity quickly.

SNAP is a valuable resource

Despite a rise in scams in recent years, SNAP is a fantastic resource for those eligible for the program. If you’re a new SNAP participant, check out these little-known perks of SNAP benefits to learn how to use your benefits in more ways. We’ve also outlined a few tips to help you maximize your SNAP benefits so you can get more value out of the program.

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